Closing the Gap Reporting

Media release - Minister Wyatt

Historically, the Australian Government has released a Closing the Gap report in February to coincide with the anniversary of the National Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples, together with a statement to Parliament.

This will change under the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which came into effect in July 2020.

Under the new Agreement, all parties including the Australian Government must deliver an Implementation Plan on Closing the Gap within 12 months, and report annually on the actions they are taking to achieve the targets.

Consistent with the new National Agreement, the Australian Government will release its Closing the Gap Implementation Plan in July 2021 and report annually in the Spring sitting period thereafter.

The Productivity Commission will release an annual data compilation report to mark yearly progress, both nationally and for each state and territory, and undertake a comprehensive analysis and independent review of Closing the Gap every three years.

The new reporting arrangements will help keep all parties accountable as we implement the Priority Reforms and ambitious new targets.

This year, on 15 February, the Government will deliver a statement to the Parliament marking the anniversary of the National Apology and outlining the progress of key initiatives underway in the Indigenous portfolio.